Many brands are beginning to install on their cars, the so-called electronic “handbrake” (or handbrakes), needed to fix the car in place. Probably everyone knows that before they were mostly mechanical, on cables (pulled the lever and the car locked), but now they are rejecting this in favor of more advanced solutions. So how do these electronic options work, how to use it and what are their pros and cons?
What it is?
An electronic handbrake is a handbrake that is not based on mechanical drives (lever and cable), but on the electronic component, in simple words, special engines that compress the rear brake disc and fix the car in place.
How does he work?
In principle, everything is simple. Often it is installed on machines, where the rear disc brakes, rather than drum brakes.
That is, there is almost the same caliper in the back as on the front axle. BUT there is a slight difference; a special electric motor is attached to the side, which is powered from the vehicle’s electrical system.
The system can be said hybrid, when you put pressure on the brake pedal, the hydraulic system works, it is this which compresses the rear pads. BUT when you want to fix the car in place, then the electric motor is connected to the caliper, it also squeezes the pads and holds them. Due to this, the rear axle is securely fixed.
The engine has a worm gear (threaded axle), many people call it a bolt. He kind of gets out and with force pushes the pad. The effort is great, can keep the car on a big roller coaster, without any problems.
How to use?
In modern cars, especially with an automatic transmission, it doesn’t matter whether it’s an automatic or a CVT or even a robot. Electronic handbrakes are almost obligatory, all because they work with many modern systems, for example AUTO HOLD (automatic retention in traffic jams and traffic lights).
As a result, we have three states of operation of this node:
- Combined with security systems.
- AUTO HOLD. Need mainly for automatic transmissions. When the “D” mode is activated – DRIVE, if you release the brake pedal, the car will ALWAYS “crawl” (at a low speed ahead). AUTO HOLD automatically locks the car in place when you push hard on the brake pedal (even when the “D” mode is on. It helps especially in big cities, in traffic jams, when constantly pressing the brake pedal, to say the least tiring. And pull the selector on the automatic transmission in a neutral, not always right. I will have a separate article about this mode.
- Well, the last and what they say on purpose. This is the handbrake. I’ll tell you how to use it
When you arrived by car to the parking lot. You must move the selector to the “neutral” position (N), you can and (P) parking (if you have an automatic transmission). Further, as written in many instructions, you need to fix the car, especially if it is on a telus cochrane. The “PARKING” mode, on large slopes does not work (more than 20 degrees), the car can roll. That is, the handbrake, must be present MANDATORY!
Instead of raising the parking brake lever, you simply press a button (well, or lift it up on my KIA OPTIMA). At the back, you can hear the sound of electric motors and your entire vehicle (vehicle) is fixed (the parking brake indicator will light up on the dashboard).
That’s so easy and simple, no need to rest and “shake hands”, as in a situation with a mechanical option.
Further, after you need to go somewhere, you just sit in the salon, start the engine, turn on the first gear or the “D” mode, the electronic handbrake will automatically turn off. That is, you will not forget to disable it for anyone. As you can see, everything is very simple, I would even say elementary.
Also Read: Warning Sounds Indicating Trouble with Your Car & Tires
Pros and cons of electronic parking brake
| PROS | MINUSES |
| Easier to use for the driver | Harder than the system with the “cable and lever.” There are engines, worm gears, etc. |
| Automatically turns off, that is, you will not forget it, as is often the case with “lever and cable” | More expensive, again because of its complexity. What gives an increase in the cost of the car |
| Securely fixes the car | More expensive repairs. If something breaks, it is not a change for you to change, sometimes the engine fails. |
| Compatible with various machine systems (type AUTO HOLD) | The rear pads are changing harder. Because the electronic handbrake is integrated into the rear caliper |
| The rear pads do not freeze in the winter after washing | There is an electrician, which means that the wires may break, contacts will oxidize. |
| In emergency situations, effectively slows down the car (about it just below) |
As you can see, there are still more advantages, and as practice shows, they walk for a long time.
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